CHILD SUPPORT

The obligation owed to all children in that they are entitled to be supported by their parents until the children reach the age of majority (usually 18) or become emancipated on their own, which most frequently occurs by marriage, by service in the armed forces or by living independently from the parents. Child support also refers to the obligation of the non-custodial parent to make periodic payments to the custodial parent for the support and care of a child. Even when parents live separately, they must still support the children. Payments are usually made to the spouse who may have primary custody.